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YOUTH LEADERSHIP

VFW Department of Washington

Youth Leadership &
Community Service Award

Recognizing young people who lead, serve others, strengthen their communities, and demonstrate exceptional character.

Download Application → View Eligibility
Program Update
The former VFW Washington Scouting Program has been sunset. The Youth Leadership & Community Service Award is now the replacement program, expanding recognition to eligible youth across a broader range of leadership and community service activities.
12–18 Eligible Ages
25+ Recommended Service Hours
24 Months of Service History
About the Award

Recognizing Leadership Through Service

 

The VFW Department of Washington Youth Leadership & Community Service Award recognizes outstanding young people who demonstrate leadership, service to others, personal responsibility, community involvement, courage, and exceptional character.

The award is intended to recognize youth who make a positive difference in their schools, organizations, neighborhoods, communities, and the lives of others.

Leadership Takes Many Forms

Applicants may qualify through ongoing community service, leadership activities, mentorship, fundraising, action during an emergency, or an extraordinary act of service.

Who Can Apply

Eligibility Requirements

Review the basic requirements before completing the application.

 
01

Age Requirement

Applicants must be between 12 and 18 years of age.

02

Community Service

Applicants should have a minimum of 25 documented community service hours completed during the previous 24 months.

03

Extraordinary Service or Deed

An applicant may also qualify based on an extraordinary act of service or deed even if the 25-hour service requirement has not been met.

04

Parent or Guardian Consent

Applicants under the age of 18 must have verification and consent from a parent or legal guardian.

05

Verification

Applicants should provide accurate contact information for individuals who can verify their service, leadership, or accomplishments.

Ways to Qualify

Leadership & Service Categories

Applicants may qualify in one or more categories and should provide a brief narrative for each category selected.

 
1

Community Project Leadership

Led a team to plan, organize, and successfully complete a community service project.

2

Crisis & Emergency Intervention

Took responsible action during a crisis or unexpected emergency, physically or logistically, when immediate adult assistance was not available.

3

Academic Peer Mentorship

Assisted and guided fellow students through formal or informal tutoring, mentoring, leadership, or positive personal example.

4

Community Fundraising

Organized or played a significant leadership role in a successful fundraising campaign benefiting the community or a charitable cause.

5

Exceptional Moral Courage

Demonstrated exceptional moral courage, accountability, humility, and integrity, including situations where doing the right thing may have been difficult or unpopular.

Application

What You'll Complete

The application walks you through the information needed to document your leadership, service, and accomplishments.

 
1

Applicant Profile

Provide your basic applicant and contact information.

2

Parent or Guardian Consent

Complete the required consent information for applicants under age 18.

3

Select Your Qualifications

Complete the leadership and service qualification checklist.

4

Tell Your Story

Provide leadership and service narratives for the categories you selected.

5

Document Your Service

Complete the community service time ledger and provide supporting information.

6

Reference & Endorsement

Provide a character reference who can verify your leadership, service, character, or accomplishments.

7

Certify Your Application

Complete the applicant certification and signature.

Service Record

Community Service Documentation

Applicants should document community service activities completed during the previous 24 months.

 

For Each Service Entry

  • Organization or community project
  • Activity and duties performed
  • Supervisor name and contact information
  • Number of service hours completed

Extraordinary Acts of Service

Applicants qualifying based on an extraordinary act of service or deed should provide enough information and supporting documentation to explain:

  • The circumstances involved
  • The actions taken
  • The impact of the service
Character Reference

Someone Who Can Speak to Your Service

Applicants must provide contact information for at least one non-family reference who can verify the applicant's leadership, service, character, or accomplishments.

Teacher
Coach
Advisor
Community Leader
Volunteer Supervisor
Faith Leader
Organization Leader
Before You Submit

Application Checklist

Make sure your application package includes all required information.

  • Completed Youth Leadership & Community Service Award application
  • Parent or guardian consent for applicants under age 18
  • Community service time ledger or extraordinary service documentation
  • Narrative for each leadership or service category selected
  • Contact information for at least one non-family character reference
  • Applicant certification and signature
  • Supporting certificates, letters, photographs, service records, or other documentation when appropriate
!

Keep a copy for your records.
Applicants should retain a copy of the completed application and all supporting documents.

Ready to Apply?

Download the official VFW Department of Washington Youth Leadership & Community Service Award application and begin documenting your leadership and service.

Download Fillable Application →
Fillable PDF • Printable • Electronic Submission Available